Big 5 Wildlife Conservation Course - Hwange National Park - Zimbabwe

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Increase your knowledge of the African bush and cultures as you explore the mighty Zambezi River by canoe, camping on the riverbanks and islands of this ancient river by night, surrounded by elephants and other wildlife, and paddling towards the Victoria Falls amongst the complex waterways by day. Your Bush Awareness course is led by professional guides at Hwange National Park and will introduce you to the idiosyncrasies of the African bush and give you a deeper understanding of the fragile relationships between man and beast. Walk with lions at our breeding and rehabilitation programme at Antelope Park in the Zimbabwe Midlands. You will spend your final week at a unique black rhino-breeding programme with the chance to work hands-on with these proud beasts.

Wildlife Courses details - Big5 Wildlife Conservation in Hwange, Victoria Falls and Zambezi river - Zimbabwe

Location Hwange National Park - Zimbabwe (Bush) Expedition length 23 days Age limit Minimum 17 years, unless accompanied by an adult Fitness required Minimum Expedition fee £ 1535 US$ 3065

Big 5 Wildlife Conservation Course / Big5 Wildlife Conservation in Hwange, Victoria Falls and Zambezi river

Week 1: Pathfinders Zambezi River Canoe Experience

As you pioneer your way down the mighty Zambezi River in a canoe, your days will be filled with breathtaking sightings of elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a plethora of other wildlife.  Your evenings will be spent around the campfire enjoying the rush of the wild African night and stories from your professional guides.   

Day One: Your drive into the Zambezi National Park will take approximately 2hrs from the Victoria Falls, 50km’s of it will be a game drive in an open vehicle.  On arrival at “Tsowa Camp” there will be an introduction, you will set up camp for the night, do a bush walk and a quiet evening will be spent around the campfire, on the banks of the Zambezi River and quite possibly in the presence of elephants, hippos and other wildlife. 

Day Two: There will be an early morning nature walk followed by a wholesome bush breakfast. Your Guide will then give the group an in-depth safety talk and demonstration on how to paddle, and other vital information for your river navigation. The day will be spent canoeing downriver through grade one and two rapids (Sansimba Rapids), exploring channels, game viewing and animal identification. The night stop will be made at Impala Jenna Camp where the group will set up camp and enjoy dinner by campfire on the banks of the mighty Zambezi. 

Day Three: Your third day will be spent paddling; navigating the river’s numerous channels, negotiating small rapids and fast currents - Your destination being the jungled and enchanting Chundu Island before you are caught up in the splendour of the sun setting over the silent river.  

Day Four: Awaken to watch the sunrise.  We begin the final 18km stretch towards the Mighty Victoria Falls.  This paddle carries the group closer to the Falls, again with the chance to explore channels amongst beautiful islands. Return to the Victoria Falls town where the group will enjoy the extravaganza of a traditional African Meal at the infamous ‘Boma – place of eating’. 

Days Five - Six: Your next two days will give you a chance to explore the mighty flowing waters that make up the World’s largest waterfall of the Victoria Falls, such as white water rafting, river cruises and bungee jumping. Elephant-back safaris, cultural African dinner extravaganzas, flights over the Victoria Falls and much more.

Week 2: Pathfinders Bush Awareness Course and Hwange National Park Conservation

From the Victoria Falls you will be transported 2 hours by road to our camp on the border of Hwange National Park. The world-famous Hwange National Park covers over 14,000 square kilometres and abounds in wildlife, including the Big 5. Hwange’s elephant population alone is in excess of 40,000. There are over 20,000 buffalo and approximately 300 lions as well as rhino and leopard.  Our Miombo volunteer camp is ideally placed right on the boundary of this park. ‘Customs, Culture and Bush Awareness Course’ will be oriented around preparing travellers to Africa for the onset of the customs and culture of Africa. It will introduce you to the flavours and tastes of the food; create awareness towards the sites and sounds of the bush... and instruct you on how to fully understand and appreciate the temperament of this tremendous continent.   

Part of Week 3: Antelope Park (4 nights)

We have included this 4-night stop at our lion rehabilitation headquarters as a holiday section of your programme. You will be transferred from Hwange National Park to Antelope Park, which is a 6-hour trip by road. Antelope Park is the perfect place to relax after your time in the bush. Along with canoeing the river, horseback riding and game viewing, you will be able to:

• Walk alongside lions as part of the pride and enjoy the exhilaration of being part of a hunt as the young cubs learn to stalk their prey
• Visit younger lion cubs if there are any in camp at the time
• Experience the African bush in a very special way on this private reserve. Explore the savannah grasslands on horseback or whilst riding on African Elephants
• Have horse-riding lessons from our experienced guides

Rest of Week 3 & part of week 4: Imire Black Rhino Conservation Programme

From Antelope Park you will transfer through to Harare. In Harare you will be met by Reilly Travers and transferred 1.5hours by road to the conservancy where you will have the chance to experience the bush through Riley’s experienced professional guides’ eyes, as well as work hands-on with the Rhinos and Elephants that the conservancy is so proud of.Imire Safari Ranch is honoured to be the custodians of Zimbabwe’s black rhino. So far they have returned 10 rhino back to the Matusadona National Park in Zimbabwe. As the rhino adjusted to their new environment, so they were released. The females have bred successfully within the Park and Imire’s black rhino project continues.  

Adventure activities

The Big5 Wildlife Conservation in Hwange, Victoria Falls and Zambezi river includes the following adventure activities:

Included in your Wildlife Courses cost

Wondering what is included in your Big 5 Wildlife Conservation Course tour? Check out the list below.

• Project fee, which entails financing which goes directly back into the projects that you are involved with. This project fee facilitates funding for items such as food for lions and elephants, radio tracking and collaring equipment
• One week Zambezi River canoe experience
• One week bush awareness and conservation experience in Hwange National Park
• All transfers for the duration of your expedition. Victoria Falls – Hwange – Antelope Park – Imire
• All airport pick-ups and drop-offs
• Boma Cultural Dinner Extravaganza in the Victoria Falls town
• Various wildlife activities at Antelope Park, including Lion walks, cub viewing, horse ride, elephant ride
• Assistance in your projects by various trained guides and staff during your stay
• Any wildlife education talks that take place during your trip and that you might wish to partake in
• Full board and lodging which includes 3 meals a day at our respective Safari Camps
• Unlimited tea, coffee and juice throughout the day
• Laundry service during your stay
• Cleaning staff to attend to your room each day

Excluded from your Wildlife Courses cost

While planning your Big5 Wildlife Conservation in Hwange, Victoria Falls and Zambezi river trip, take note of the following excludes:

• All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)
• Flights to the Victoria Falls International Airport at trip start and departing from Harare International airport at trip end
• Email and telephone calls made during your placement (charged out at cost)
• Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary in Zimbabwe e.g. visiting the Victoria Falls; White Water Rafting; Bungee Jumping
• Personal insurance cover for the duration of your placement which is expected to include cover for repatriation

Orientation & arrival

Upon arrival at each base camp you will be given a thorough orientation by our experienced guides/staff

Support

Throughout your Experience, you will have the full support and guidance of our coordinators and professional guides, who will provide you with competent 24-hour field support and assistance.

Accommodation

Week 1 - Canoe Trip: Camping on the riverbanks and islands of the river in comfortable 2-man dome canvas tents.

 

Week 2 - Bush Awareness Course: You will be based at our beautifully situated volunteer base on the boundary of the National Park - Miombo Safari Lodge, in rustic yet comfortable rooms shared between 2 or 3 people.

Week 3 - Antelope Park: You will be staying in twin standard room accommodation overlooking the dam at the main camp.  You will use the shared camp ablutions. Your room will be cleaned daily by the housekeeping staff, and free use of the laundry service is available.

 

Rest of Week 3 & part of week 4 - Imire Black Rhino Conservation Programme: You will be staying in comfortable twin or triple room accommodation in a thatched volunteer farmhouse near a lake. Two communal sitting rooms with fire-places are where everyone meets in the evening to relax and talk about the days events.

Meals

Meals for the Big 5 Wildlife Conservation Course Wildlife Courses are as follows:

3 meals a day on the river canoe trip and at the respective Safari Camps.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

How to get there

Fly direct to Victoria Falls Airport from Johannesburg International Airport, where you will be met by a Pathfinders staff member on arrival.

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